We had a full house at the History Camp! Kids (1) learned about Colorado Indians, including their sign language; created a "happiness" mandala; (2) sang old-time songs & studied old musical instruments; (3) learned about the uses of our local sandstone, and saw the many different types of stone in the area, touching them, and then each painted one; (4) tried out several different old-time machines, like a wringer-washer, adding machine, typewriter, and more and compared them to what we use today; (5) had a museum treasure hunt; ...and...ate lots of yummy food and drinks; ending it all with a party and tour for the families on Friday! Wow, we had some smart kids! Thank you to Lyons Community Fund for supporting this educational adventure for our Lyons kids. (from Camp Director Kathleen Spring 8/1/11)
The hugely successful day camp for 5 to 10 year olds took place for its second year. Rave reviews from the kids and parents about the content and fun experience made this a hit. A camp for the older kids (11 to 13 year olds) was attempted, but did not get enough attendees to happen. The cost was $50 again, with the support of the Community Fund for "history education" of Lyons youth. It took place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the museum. Check out the summary of last year's camp.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Lyons old-time annual festival brings in crowds from the Front Range. Families enjoy the fairway rides and game and concession stands, while singles come to the music stage to enjoy dancing and beverages. The events start Thursday, June 23, at 6 p.m., with the softball tournament in Bohn Park. The baseball games continue throughout the weekend, with the winners announced Sunday.
Crowds fill High Street (one block north of Main Street) on Friday night, June 24. Events start at 5 p.m., which include the carnival and eateries. From 8 to 11 p.m. begins the live trendy music, street dancing and chamber beer garden sales.
The festivities are always deepened in meaning when the Lyons Historical Society honors each year a different person or group as “Mr. and Mrs. Good Old Days.” This year the Society will honor all Contractors/Self-Employed who have worked in Lyons from 1880 to 2011, contributing to the growth and beauty of Lyons. The announcements will take place on the High Street stage at 9 p.m.
All day Saturday, June 25, people can wander the streets and bump into one activity after another all day. Events begin with a pancake breakfast at the firehouse, and include Kidspace, with its free art and crafts projects, the Chamber beer garden, multiple food booths, and live music. There is a Lyons classmates alumni get-together at the Stage from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Be part of a Guinness World Record attempt by participating, at 10 a.m., in the Etch-A-Sketch extravaganza in Sandstone Park. If you do not have one, they will be available for $10 on site. Go to www.sketchspozlzooza.com for more information, or call (720) 432-ETCH. Lyons locals Clark Hodge and Jeff Gagliardi are trying to break the record and need 250 Etch-A-Sketchers.
To wrap up the night, at 7:30 p.m., the Good Old Days Square Dance will take place with Dave Guille, caller, and LeRoy Shade, cuer, at Lyons Elementary School gym. From 8 to 11 p.m., the popular Street Dance takes place on High Street.
HISTORY RECOGNITION The Historical Society and Library have additional historic events taking place Saturday. It begins with a tribute to Gerald Mack, longtime Library Board member, at 11 a.m., at the Lyons Library. Next, over at the Lyons Redstone Museum there will be a program beginning at 1 p.m. to honor the long-time contractors as Mr. and Mrs. Good Old Days, those in building and repair of Lyons homes and businesses, such as carpentry, plumbers, masonry, stone masons, electricians, realtors, etc..
Alumni classes of the ‘0ls (e.g. 1921, 1931, etc.) can stop by and be recognized. This year, for the first time, the 2011 Lyons High School graduating class Awards Night program did not include awards for the Pioneer family children; so, it has been moved to the Redstone Museum. Children of Lyons Pioneer families who have been in the area over 50 years include: Bryson Daughton, Colton Hammans, Kylee Senasac, Jaicy Sutak, Dugan Tomczak, and Abe Vasquez.
NEW EXHIBITSFor the past several months, the Historic Society had been collecting donations to buy some historic Stereo Views of Lyons from the turn-of-the-century. It will present for the first time, both the original Views and enlarged copies, for the public to inspect. In addition, paintings of local bird aficionado D. W. King, deceased 2011, will be displayed.
On the final day, Sunday, June 26, the day begins with the Lyons 5K River Run, and the softball tournament wraps up. An excited crowd gathers to hear the names of the winners at the Vasquez stage in Sandstone Park.
SCFD GRANTS:
The Historical Society received $2,250 from SCFD, which is designated for museum general operating support: utilities, maintenance, repairs, telephone, fire, etc. which usually total around $13,000 a year. The Town of Lyons issues a grant to pay summer employees wages, FICA, and insurance to keep the museum open throughout the summer. Other funds come from the Blue Mountain Foundation, the Lyons Community Fund, museum gifts and book sales, dues, donations and fundraisers.
STEREO VIEWS:
Community Fund GRANT
Video Interviews of Pioneers 2011Also funded by the grant was the start of the transcription of the 12 years of Pioneer Life Story Videos. The Fund has provided financial support to the purchase of equipment and the transcribing of the first twenty video-interviews. It took place over the year 2011. Project Director Kathleen Spring was proud to open an exhibit in the museum in September 2010 that allows people to see the interviews on a TV screen, but she is excited that they will soon be able to also see the text, which will allow for easier genealogy research. Volunteers to help transcribe the interviews are needed.
As December arrives, bringing with it frosty, snowy and icy days, Lyons residents can beat the Holiday crowds and dangerous parking lots by conveniently shopping locally. At the annual Christmas Bazaar, Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Lyons Elementary gym, over 40 booths of handmade items, books, baked foods, candy, jewelry, honey, altered gourds, crossstitch, dips, bone art, rope baskets, Navajo turquoise silverwork, emu oil body care, soaps, Alpaca scarves, and more are offered. Many people say they return year after year, to buy things from their favorite vendor, or to just get in the spirit of the Holiday season, with all the festive decorations in the hall and live music. Debi Stevenson will play keyboard on Saturday, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will listen to wish lists from 2 - 4 p.m. On Sunday there will be caroling by Quarry Gals and children can enjoy storytelling. This major fundraiser for the library features holiday gifts made by Colorado crafters and artisans, one of the few handcraft-only fairs to survive in the region. No mass produced foreign items will be sold. Call the library (303) 823-5165 for more info.
Support several Lyons non-profit organizations by buying items at the bazaar, including the Girl Scouts and the library. The Lyons Historical Society has a booth where they offer dozens of books on the history of Lyons and the area, as well as many small collectibles and knick-knacks. Several people say they come just for the homemade fudge or other baked goods. Their raffle-style tickets are only a dollar and are pulled Sunday afternoon for fun prizes. They also are collecting donations at the free hot chocolate stand near the visitor center during the Saturday night fireworks. For more information, call (303) 823-5925.
Yes, the Lyons Light Display is back! This hugely popular laser light show, accompanied by syncronized lively Christmas music, has again been set up by show owner Kyle Miller at the Visitors’ Center on Thursday through Saturday. Last year, this delightful exciting event was talked about for weeks after that festive weekend. This is followed by the traditional "lighted floats parade" and fireworks display. A very fine production that brings out families far and wide.
Downtown Colorado Inc., a nonprofit membership organization committed to building better communities through educational and technical assistance, as well as the coordinator of the Colorado Main Street Program, awarded the Town of Lyons a Governor’s Award for Downtown Excellence – Best Public Space Project. Representatives from the Town of Lyons accepted a Governor’s Award and attended a gala dinner and award ceremony in September in Glenwood Springs. The $1.2 million project was funded by various local, state, and federal agencies, including a significant ARRA stimulus grant.
According to the documents, Lyons was given the award because: “Despite today’s challenging economy, the Town of Lyons chose to think outside the box as they moved forward with a very ambitious municipal infrastructure and streetscape improvement project that has resulted in the creation of public spaces that embody a vibrant and successful business environment as well as an inviting community-gathering place. This project will most likely be the poster project for all future downtown revitalization projects.”
The downtown renovation was also recognized in the "Nebraska Power Pool November News." The article had before and after photos, and stated: “The $1.2 million streetscape project transformed the downtown area of Lyons, Colorado.”
Lyons’ historical heritage rose in prominence in 2010, through the efforts of a few devoted people and enriching grants. The bad economy effected the Lyons Historical Society’s efforts in good and bad ways. The benefits of new exhibits and programs to the town’s residents will last for many years to come. BOOKS & VIDEOS The Lyons History Video Project (LHVP) received a grant from LCF to transfer its Hi-8 tapes to DVDs, and archive them, with the help of two volunteers, Clark Hodge and Kenyon Waugh. After a year of work, the project was completed enough to open it to the public in mid-August. A grant from the Colorado-Wyoming Association of Museums helped pay for a museum exhibit mainly comprised of a desk and television for the public to view the 70 DVDs and learn more about life in Lyons in the early 20th century. Once completed, director Kathleen Spring will be able to return to interviewing the final dozen pioneer families. LHVP continues to promote history preservation in Lyons through annual community parties. Funds or transcribers are needed to continue the project. PROGRAMS With that said, 2010 had more new programs and exhibits than the museum has seen in years. It began in February with the annual History Community Party, given by LHVP, which always includes food and flicks: horse ferrier Michael Tovani showed a video of himself shoeing a horse; Marguerite Peoples’ home video showed Lyons in the 1960s and 70s; and, re-enactment professional Bonnie Kohl dressed up and spoke as Helen Hunt Jackson. The audience was enchanted with each one, asking numerous questions. LHVP considerately did not solicit donations from local businesses for a silent auction, due to the poor economy. In May, the Redstone Museum’s open house and its new book signing were listed on the state of Colorado’s Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month web site. Also, Director Johnson also awarded Lyons High School graduates who came from pioneer families. Good Old Days in June celebrated all Lyons Pioneer Families as Mr. & Mrs. Good Old Days. Also honored were recently deceased Lyons residents who made an important impact on Lyons history: past mayor Fran Brackett, parks and recreation employee Robert Doseoff, past museum employee Maxine Gardner, coach John Johnson, activist Steve Ralston, and inventor Chris Jenkins. July brought the first successful Kids Summer History Day Camp, thanks to a grant from LCF. Each morning camp director Kathleen Spring had the kids act out scenarios of Old Time Lyons, followed by doing a matching craft item. Parents and other relatives attended the final day celebration and said that the kids excitedly educated them each afternoon about the day’s adventures, thereby spreading the story of Lyons’ history. In previous years, the limited funds for summer wages only allowed the staff time to file the year’s newspaper clippings and greet guests. In 2010, instead of manually filing everything, employee Randall Johnson started to scan articles into a computer, which freed up some time for work on exhibits. Over the summer, new museum curator Kathleen Spring organized the archival filing cabinets, graduation photos, and extensive collection of old books for sale, all of which bring in numerous museum visitors. Then in mid-August, she put together the first Lyons Heritage Days, which included fun and educational talks, and showed off to the public three new exhibits. A new exhibit honored 101 year old Minnie Hutchinson, deceased, who worked tirelessly in town administrative positions. Upon retirement, she continued to work as a volunteer, including assisting in the establishment and running of the library and the senior center. Also honored was the Moody/Ramey family, who were instrumental in establishing a solid economy in Lyons, through running first a department store, and later banking, insurance, and real estate businesses over approximately 50 years. AWARDS TOURISTS FINANCES In the last few years, there have been some people who have criticized the usefulness of having a museum in town. But, in response, a small handful of mostly volunteers has continued the decades of history preservation in Lyons, and expanded its information to an ever-growing audience. Residents are encouraged to support the Historical Society by visiting the museum when it reopens June 1, 2011, and purchasing books or gift items. Donations are needed for operation, for interviewing pioneer families, and for an additional filing person. Volunteers can take home some filing to sort over the winter. For more information, contact LaVern Johnson, (303) 823-5925.
History lovers are invited to come to the Lyons Redstone Museum on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 18 and 19 for Lyons first Heritage Days. This year the museum is focusing on unveiling three new exhibits, including the display of artifacts that are normally not available to the public. This includes some fascinating old albums and clothing.
There is an Open House all weekend long, but you will want to come on Saturday if you are interested in hearing some history speakers. From 10 a.m. to noon, historian Kathleen Spring will be speaking about the Moody/Ramey family line. Come and hear tidbits about Johnny Bill Ramey. Many residents remember him from his fascinating conversations about local history and geology during breakfast at the Lyons Cafe. Also being honored is Minnie Hutchinson, who lived in Lyons for 101 years and helped start the Lyons Women’s Club.
The long awaited Oral History Interactive Exhibit will also be unveiled. Twelve years of interviews have been transferred to DVDs thanks to a grant from the Community Fund. They can be accessed at the new exhibit desk and viewed on the TV-DVR, which was paid for with a grant from the Colorado-Wyoming Association of Museums. Many people and groups have come together to make this happen. Kathleen Spring, director of the Lyons History Video Project, will be showing how the viewing process will work, and she will highlight a few excerpts from the DVDs that are guaranteed to entertain and educate the audience. The public can sign up to view the interviews during the final two weeks that the museum is open for 2010, either by coming in or phoning in a reservation at 303-823-5271.
The event is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome and can be mailed to either Lyons Historical Society or Lyons History Video Project, P. O. Box 9, Lyons, CO 80540. Due to the bad economy both the Video Project and the Museum are very low on funds.
The Open House is Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Speakers, demonstrations, and tours are on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010. From 10 a.m. to noon is “New Exhibits and Oral History Video Pioneer Life Stories Interactive Exhibit,” From noon to 1 p.m. is a museum Tour and “Lyons History Talk” by Historical Society President LaVern Johnson. And, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. is a book signing by author Denise Berg for “Piecing a Town Together-Families of Lyons, Colorado.” Feel free to bring in your copy of last year’s book “Double Gateway” to get it autographed, or ask her questions about Lyons’ history. Light refreshments will be served. Call Kathleen Spring for more information 303-823-0997.
It's Lyons big event of the year, and the annual banquet proved to uphold the high standard. Almost every mover-and-shaker, including donors, volunteers, and non-profit organizations, attempted to buy a ticket before they sold out. The proceeds of the $45 tickest go into the Community Fund chest to benefit and enhance Town service organizations. The Lyons Community Foundation, (LCF) presented their third annual LCF Grants to the recipients who spoke to the attendees about how they would be using the funds. Many said that it was a heart-warming event. This year's grants amounted to more than $36,000 to nine different local organizations for sixteen programs. The Lyons Historical Society received $1,000 to put on a Summer Kids Camp. One will be aimed at 6 to 10 year olds; and the second will be for 11 to 13 year olds. The Lyons History Video Project received $2,300 to start their transcription of the 70 interviews they have done over the past 12 years, including cost of equipment. The director of the programs, Kathleen Spring, expressed that it showed the confidence and appreciation of the Community Fund and the community in supporting what they were doing to help preserve history in Lyons.
The Lyons Historical society never forgets. Year after year, it honors people who have helped support and preserve Lyons and its history. This year is a grand celebration of all Lyons families who have lived in the area for 50 or more years. Any person whose family came here between 1860 and 1960 came come to the celebration and receive a Certificate and a commemorative badge.
The families will be honored with a Certifiate at the band stage on Friday, June 25 at 9 p.m. They will have an opportunity to share stories at the annual history gathering on the museum lawn on Saturday, June 26 from noon to 3 p.m. It is a great way for long-time families to meet other significant Lyons families. Everyone is invited to share in the celebration.
On Friday, June 25, at 9 p.m. at the stage on High Street, the Ralston Block will be dedicated to Steve Ralston, deceased. Steve was a long-time resident and antique store owner in Lyons, and he and his wife, Christine, were advocates for the rights of Lyons residents, attending town hall meetings regularly.
The Historic Society also encourages Lyons alumni to gather during GODays. A class reunion of the class of 1970 will be held; the class of 1980 will celebrate with a dinner at On The Rocks Bistro on Saturday and picnic in Meadow Park on Sunday; the Class of 1990 will get together July 17. Graduates from other classes "in the 10s" (1920, 30, 40, 50 etc.) may be on hand.
New Book Announced: Author, Denise Berg, will be on hand with the book "Piecing a Town Together-Families of Lyons, Colorado," with book signing to be held from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the reception area, and at the Lyons Redstone Museum at 1-3 p.m. A dedication program will include Certificates of Appreciation given out to Denise and all of the people who made the three books on Lyons history possible. Special thanks go out to LaVern Johnson who campaigned to get the books done over the years, and to Denise Berg, who spent a few years compiling and editing Frank Weaver's collection of writings on the town history (1976-1981). Stop by to enjoy Denise's DVD of photos from the Lyons book, shown in the museum throughout the afternoon starting at 12:30 p.m.
Two museum employees will be honored. A memorial tribute to Maxine Gardner, who filed at the museum for the past six years will be held. And Teri Weir, a dedicated employee, will be retiring from her job as curator of the museum.
Additional Ceremony:Two important residents are being honored, in memoriam, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 26, at the Lyons Visitors' Center. Frances Brackett, was the Mayor of Lyons, longtime hostess at the Lyons Visitors' Center, member of Lyons Fireflies, member of Excelsior of the Rebekah Lodge, member of Lyons PTO, caretaker of the Lyons Cemetery and caretaker of Oddfellows Hall.
Also being honored is Bob Doseoff, deceased, an employee of the Lyons Parks and Recreation Department for 11 years. The many children in his life fondly remember him, from his four grandchildren, and to all students at Lyons Middle Senior High School.
Sandstone benches will be installed in front of the Visitors Center and will be dedicated to Bob and Fran. Also, Fran's picture will also be put in the Visitors' Center.
Residents are invited to come pay tribute to these worthy Lyons residents.
Lyons Christmas Season Events
By Kathleen Spring (December 2010)
Main Street wins Governor's Award
Lyons Historical Society Has Banner Year
by Kathleen Spring (November 2010)
The second book covering Lyons history in the 1900s was completed by historian Denise Berg. She spent three years organizing the information gathered over 30 years by Frank Weaver, deceased, and complementing it with her own research. She produced “Double Gateway to the Rockies,” a mainly pictorial history, in June 2009, and “Piecing a Town Together,” a mainly genealogical history, in June 2010.
Historical Society president LaVern Johnson wanted to make clear that the museum started with nothing 32 years ago and spent many dynamic years building up the collection. She also wanted to acknowledge the numerous people who worked on programs or exhibits, and the hard-working museum staff. She also pointed out that during the early years of Good Old Days as many as 1,200 people attended the Society sponsored events.
The museum space was also offered to local cultural groups to have their meetings. This included the Lyons Book Club and the Tea Time Readers poetry group.
The next Historical Society sponsored event to occur is the gift booth at the Lyons Christmas Bazaar Dec. 4 and 5, and the hot chocolate and baked goods sales after the fireworks.
In 2009, the Lyons Historical Society received funds to rehabilitate the Redstone Museum’s exterior. The State Historical Society $93,272 grant was matched by donations raised by director LaVern Johnson. It would not have been completed without her persistence. She was subsequently given two awards for her efforts in History Preservation. In May 2010, at the Boulder County Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month’s award ceremony she was given an award both for the museum renovation and as recognition of a lifetime of work on history preservation in Boulder County.
The summer curators at the museum acted as ambassadors to the Town. They not only told every visitor the history of the town and explained the significance of the sandstone, but they surveyed the guests to find out things like why they came to Lyons and what store or restaurant they could direct them to, especially in light of the shorter hours of the Visitor Center this year. Most people replied that they came to Lyons for the day and were impressed by the museum collection. The good news is, just like the National Parks, museum attendance went up approximately 40 percent this year, due to the poor economy making people explore their home states more.
In 2010, the Historical Society received small but important grants from Blue Mountain Foundation, Lyons Community Fund (LCF) and Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) which were used toward operating expenses. The Town of Lyons contributed their annual grant toward salaries of the summer museum staff. The Town and Historical Society split the cost of two new furnaces last winter. Several small donors continued to support the museum. Unfortunately, the collapse of the 2010 Good Old Days Arts and Crafts Fair, which is the Historic Society’s key fundraiser, drastically decreased the funds available for the year.Lyons First Annual Heritage Days
by Kathleen Spring (October 2010)
Lyons Community Foundation Gala
by Kathleen Spring (October 2010)
.HONORING LYONS PIONEER FAMILIES, 1860 to 1960
Lyons Good Old Days
By Kathleen Spring (June 2010)
Preview of HISTORY PRESERVATION IN LYONS: Spring/Summer 2010
By Kathleen Spring
Boulder County Heritage Rountable will honor the rehabilitation of the Lyons Redstone Museum and LaVern Johnson on May 10. The annual meeting and awards night is presented by Boulder County Heritage Roundtable, which recognizes various historic preservation projects, as well as the authors of historic books.
Also honored will be local authors who have written historical books in 2009, including Lyons' Denise Berg (and Frank Weaver) for their book "Gatewy to the Rockies."
COLORADO PRESERVATION, INC. is sponsoring a campaign for all historians and interested parties to send e-mail or call the State Legislature to preserve the Preservation Funds for State projects. They oppose HB 210, which will take 45 to 50% of the funds earmarked for history preservation over the next two years to refurbish the dome of the State Capitol.
Instead, Colorado Preservation is supporting HS 1402, which allows them and all state historians to campaign for donations for the Capital project. Opponents were recently on Your Show stating their side of the issue. Details can be found on Channel 9's website.
Send an e-mail to:
Claire.levy.house@state.co.us
rep.nikkel@gmail.com
dan.gibbs.senate@state.co.us
Kevin@kevinlundberg.com
MAY IS COLORADO HISTORY PRESERVATION MONTH. Throughout Colorado various historical events being held to remind people of their "roots" and the history of the area. The Lyons Historical Society will sponsor a history program at the Lyons Town Hall on Sunday, May 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. to celebrate the history of Lyons, and its residents.
Learn about two new exhibits, and a children's summer history program planned for this year. Come and see the three new books on Lyons pioneers: the quarry book by Al Pace and the 1800's book by Diane Benedict, and the 1900s book by Denise Berg. As well as the ongoing effort of the Lyons History Video Project to collect pioneer interviews. A good way to learn about Lyons history, mark your calendar.
NEW PROGRAMS COMING TO MUSEUM. There will be two new exhibits and a special children's history summer program coming to the museum. Exhibited opening dates will be after the 4th of July Holiday. Call Exhibit & Program Director Kathleen Spring (303) 823-0997 for more details. The Lyons History Video Project is attempting to finish the "pioneer" project this year, but is in great need of donations. Send donations in any amount to this worthy cause to P O Box 274, Lyons 80540. It is anticipated that the book of pioneers' life stories will come out on time for the Christmas Holidays.
GOOD OLD DAYS Come out and support Lyons Old Time Street Fair, June 25 to 26, 2010, including baseball tournaments, parades, food vendors, amusement rides, craft booths, and much more. The Lyons Historic Society honors Mr. and Mrs. Good Old Days. First awards are given out on the stage on Friday night, then there are speakers and an open house on Saturday at the Redstone Museum. In 2010, "Lyons Pioneer Families" will be honored. These are families that were highlighted in recent history books published about Lyons, as well as those families who have been in town for fifty years or more. Participants will receive a souvenir commemorating the event. Call the museum after June 1st for more details (303) 823-5271.
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Date last modified: August 1, 2011 9:00 AM..